Famous Classic Rock Bands That Featured Siblings Making Hits Together

Family Ties in Classic Rock

Classic rock is filled with bands shaped by the work of siblings. Their shared background often helped them build a clear sound and a strong creative direction. In many cases, that bond led to music that defined entire eras.

But not all musical partnerships stayed smooth. While some siblings stayed together for decades, others eventually split over personal or musical differences.

Mark and David Knopfler (Dire Straits)

Mark and David Knopfler formed Dire Straits in the late 1970s and remained key members during the band’s rise. Mark took the role of lead vocalist and lead guitarist, guiding the group’s sound until its disbandment in 1995. David played rhythm guitar until his departure in 1980.

The Knopflers were strongly linked to the pub rock scene, but their working relationship had its tensions. Their disagreements were not dramatic, yet the strain grew enough for David to leave before the band hit its worldwide success.

Angus and Malcolm Young (AC/DC)

Brothers Angus and Malcolm Young were still very young when they created AC/DC in 1973. Angus handled lead guitar duties, while Malcolm anchored the rhythm guitar parts that helped shape the band’s tight sound. Their musical connection became one of AC/DC’s defining strengths.

Even as AC/DC went through many lineup changes, Angus and Malcolm stayed at the center of the group’s identity. Malcolm remained in the band until 2014 before stepping away due to health issues, and he passed away in 2017. Their long-running partnership showed how naturally some siblings work together onstage and in the studio.

Alex and Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

Alex and Eddie Van Halen became one of the most widely recognized sibling duos in rock history. Their band, Van Halen, grew into a major force in hard rock, known for its powerful sound and explosive live shows. Eddie’s innovative guitar style redefined the instrument, while Alex’s drumming helped build the group’s punchy foundation.

Alongside bassist Michael Anthony and vocalist David Lee Roth, the Van Halen brothers shaped a band that dominated the rock scene through the late 1970s and 1980s. Few sibling pairs reached the level of success and influence that the two achieved together.